How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your Baby Cots on sale's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.